Triangle Bladder Cancer Support Group Formed

A conference on understanding bladder cancer, hosted by UNC with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), has led to the formation of a new support group for patients in the Triangle.

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The meeting, which was held last May and attracted more than 170 attendees, featured UNC Lineberger members Matthew Nielsen, MD, and Raj Pruthi, MD, UNC Urologic Oncology faculty and BCAN National Scientific Advisory Board Members. The two physicians led a panel of regional bladder cancer experts in a comprehensive program outlining the detection, treatment and survivorship issues important for bladder cancer patients.

At the meeting, participants identified the need for an ongoing support group for individuals in the area affected by this common disease and formed a working group with colleagues from Duke University and a panel of patient advocates.

In response to this, a working group was formed with colleagues from Duke and a panel of patient advocates.

The Triangle Bladder Cancer Support Group held its inaugural meeting on Sept. 14, 2010. The Group’s mission statement is “to provide support, education and outreach for those touched by bladder cancer: survivors, caregivers, friends and all that are affected.”

“We are very excited to support the development of this long overdue resource for individuals affected by bladder cancer in our region. Bladder cancer is an incredibly common and underappreciated disease, and we are hopeful that this grassroots organization will help to lessen the burdens of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship,” said Dr. Nielsen.

The group will meet the second Tuesday of each month (Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14) from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Carolina Pointe, located at 6013 Farrington Road in Chapel Hill at the intersection of I-40 and Highway 54.